The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently announced an increased allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the fiscal year 2021-22 for the ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’ (MIDH). Horticulture, a branch of agriculture dealing with garden crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, plays a vital role in India’s agricultural sector. This segment of agriculture is so significant that M.H. Marigowda, a renowned horticulturist, has been lauded as the Father of Indian Horticulture.
About Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Launched in 2014-15, MIDH is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting comprehensive growth of the horticulture sector. The initiative covers a wide array of crops including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo. MIDH falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and operates as part of the Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana.
Funding Structure of MIDH
The Government of India (GoI) funds 60% of the total outlay for development programs in all states barring those in North East and Himalayas, while the remaining 40% is contributed by the respective State Governments. For North Eastern States and Himalayan States, GoI provides a major chunk of the funding, contributing up to 90%.
Sub-schemes under MIDH
MIDH functions through various sub-schemes: National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB), and Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH). The NHM operates in select districts of 18 States and 6 Union Territories, while the HMNEH focuses on enhancing horticulture in North East and Himalayan states. The NHB and CDB implement various initiatives under MIDH across all states and territories, with the CDB particularly active in coconut-growing regions. Lastly, the CIH provides technical support through capacity building and farmer training in the North Eastern Region.
Achievements of MIDH
MIDH has made significant strides in boosting India’s horticulture sector. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, the country recorded its highest horticulture production of 320.77 million tonnes. From 2014 to 2020, the area utilized for horticulture crops and the production yield rose by 9% and 14% respectively. This increase has not only improved the quality of produce and productivity of farmland but also bolstered India’s self-sufficiency in the horticulture sector.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite these strides, the horticulture sector continues to grapple with post-harvest loss and gaps in post-harvest management and supply chain infrastructure. Looking forward, there is a vast potential to increase the productivity of Indian horticulture to meet the estimated demand of 650 Million MT of fruits and vegetables by the year 2050. Initiatives focusing on planting material production, cluster development program, credit push through Agri Infra Fund, and formation and promotion of Farmers Producer Organisations are anticipated to be instrumental in overcoming these challenges.
